Latest from Sebastian Herrera

Ever since Amazon and Whole Foods Market announced their $13.7 billion merger deal last June, there has been speculation -- and concern -- about changes that might come to the organic grocery chain. Some of that worry has come from Whole Foods’ own suppliers, who have already experienced some shifts to how Whole Foods does...

South by Southwest 2018 has officially wrapped up The massive interactive, film and music festival ended on Sunday. Here are some highlights of the American-Statesman’s coverage: Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk made a last-minute appearance at SXSW, answering questions about his inspirations and different projects he is working...

Ride-hailing company Uber launched in 2010 built on a simple concept: Push a button, get a ride. Its popularity was driven by its ease. Much in the same way, Uber and other high-tech companies are now trying to build the next phase of ride-hailing on that same simplicity. Uber says it is partnering with aircraft firm Bell to bring an on-demand...

Ride-hailing company Uber launched in 2010 built on a simple concept: Push a button, get a ride. Its popularity was driven by its ease. Much in the same way, Uber and other high-tech companies are now trying to build the next phase of ride-hailing on that same simplicity. Uber says it is partnering with aircraft firm Bell&nbsp...

Diversity and inclusion in the technology sector were among the most discussed and debated topics at SXSW 2018, with a number of speaking events and gatherings focusing on the issues. Hugh Forrest, chief programming officer at SXSW, said inclusion is significant to creating a succesful conference, especially since SXSW is known as an environment...

In the technology industry, Kela Ivonye is an anomaly. He’s a black tech entrepreneur. Ivonye, 31, who lives in Louisville, Kentucky, has spent recent years in the tech industry — and he’s learned how it’s different for people like him. About four years ago, Ivonye started a food delivery company. But the venture flopped...

In the past 30 years, Melinda Gates has become one of the most influential women in the business and technology worlds, building her brand successfully in those male-dominated industries. Now, she’s trying to teach others how to do the same. Speaking at a South by Southwest keynote on Sunday, Gates talked about how women and minorities...

Michael Dell says some of the same technology being created at his giant Round Rock-based company can power the future of the health care industry. Dell, the billionaire founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, spoke Saturday at a South by Southwest session with Clay Johnston, dean of the University of Texas’ Dell Medical School. Dell...

Ever since “The Jetsons” arrived on television in the 1960s, showing a family of the future gliding around in a flying car, people have imagined when that technology could become available for commercial use. A Chinese company says that reality is coming soon. Derrick Xiong, co-founder Chinese drone-maker Ehang, discussed...

Uber has had a history of controversy regarding diversity and workplace culture. The ride-hailing company has been accused by former employees of having an inappropriate workplace atmosphere, and in June of last year, it fired 20 employees as part of an investigation into sexual harassment at its workplace. But Uber has been trying...

Last year at South by Southwest, one of the most talked about issues surrounding the conference was the missing presence of ride-hailing giants Uber and Lyft. Uber and Lyft stopped service inside Austin’s city limits in May 2016 because the companies opposed a local ordinance in place then that required ride-hailing companies to fingerprint...

Could Amazon create its own checking account? The e-commerce giant is working on it. Amazon is in talks with several banks that include JPMorgan Chase to create its own type of checking account for its customers. Amazon is reportedly only in the exploration stage of the potential project. But the company is trying to target younger...

As Uber continues to expand its ride-hailing reach across the globe, it’s made Austin one of its premier hubs in the United States. Uber’s local corporate presence has doubled in the past six months to about 90 full-time staff members, the company said, beginning when Uber moved into a new downtown office in August and continuing...

Ride-hailing firm Fasten on Friday announced that it is leaving the Austin market after agreeing to be sold to Vezet Group, a Russian-based transportation network. Fasten said that it will freeze its service nationwide on Monday because of the sale. Boston, where the company is based, is the only other city where Fasten operates...

As Uber continues to expand its ride-hailing reach across the globe, it’s made Austin one of its premier hubs in the United States. Uber’s local corporate presence has doubled in the past six months to about 90 full-time staff members, the company said, starting when Uber moved into a new downtown office in August and continuing...